Aster, a member of the Compositae family, is a genus containing 458 species.

This deciduous plant, Aster alpinus, grows to almost a foot tall, flowers in summer and fall, and will naturalize when grown in favorable conditions. It can be cultivated by either cuttings, division of the plant, or by seed. As the name implies, it can be grown in chilly Zones, including Zones 3-9. It prefers regular watering. Aster alpinus can be grown in a container where its propensity to naturalize is a benefit to encourage you to divide the plant often - put the divided clump in another pot or share with family, neighbors, or a friend.

Aster novi-belgii 'Tiny Tot' stays a diminutive 1/2 foot tall; Aster novi-belgii 'Winston Churchill" grows to 4 feet tall. Aster alpinus and amellus grow to 1-1½ feet high. A broad assortment of Asters will grow in Zones 4-9.

Asters attract a very long list of butterflies to feed, two are shown below. Bees will come to this plant as well.